Ethiopia (Addis Ababa): Muslim Newsletter Publishers and Editors Arrested
Editor of Al-Qudus weekly Newsletter, Ato Ezedin Muhammed along with his wife W/o Maria Qadi Abafita, and editor and owner of Salafiyya Newsletter Ato Ibrahim were arrested yesterday, 16/02/07. Ato Ezedin and W/o Maria were taken by about 10 security personnel from their home. Their computers, camera, Printing materials and other relevant accessories were also taken by Police.
Ato Ibrahim was picked up as he left a Mosque; he was then driven to his home where all his production materials were also confiscated. According to the family of Ato Ibrahim, the security personnels who arrested hem are from Addis Ababa Police.
As per internal sources, the reason for their arrest is their reporting of the developments in the draft regulation the Ministry of Regulation prepared and for their insistence to keep the Muslims aware thereof. They have also published the letter alleged to be written by Ato Elias Rediman. In this letter Ato Elias called for the security to take severe measure against those elements who oppose the new regulation from being implemented in its present state.
on February 17th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Asselamualeykum my sis and bro in islam what i am fearing is that this is a fitnah from Allah(S.W) to check our strength on the issue. Allah will solve the problem on his way Insahllah but we are going to fail the exam. Pls lets discuss what should be done on this issue next sth most harder is going to happen unless we have taken some measure. Palestine people are strugling for their right but theirs is the worst but ours compared to them it means nothing. Pls lets discuss on what should be done, what should we do to stop that …. called redman “leader” of the muslim the puppet.
Pls lets make dua for our heros out their, lets propitiate there work , they have done theirs our remains.
I have some view to solve the problem , we(i mean the leanred one working on geverment office ) have to sign a petition that this person doesn’t represent us. This is my smaller idea but i don’t know how much it is effective, lets discuss on obout its feasibility and effectivness from different angle. Ur bro In Islam
on February 17th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Jeizakumu-llah NEGASHI- OJ;
Keep the good job.
What about- we others, how do we show our presence?
We-fethun-qerib.
on February 18th, 2008 at 7:57 am
It is absurd that the Ethiopian government respond to the recommendations of a person who doesn’t command any form of respect from the people that he suppose to represent. I ask Muslim brothers and sisters to join hand and condemn this brutal action and demand an immediate release of the individuals in question.
on February 18th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Bro Mudesir
That is good idea but I am afraid that many Muslims are not aware of this man. Some Muslims cast a doubt on the whole issue by linking it with the ongoing struggle. On the top of this Elias Redman was invited to paltalk discussion last Saturday on paltalk @ international Muslims studio and it was a good stage for his propaganda. I felt that he used it and guess what…he had no answer but to say “Wallahi thuma Wallaahi..” and he is quite aware how muslim value this.
He used to discredit our only news source of what is going on. It should have been a stage to get the truth about this man, and apparently he used his Cadre skill to manipulate. Hope next time, time we prepare better so that we use it to develop awareness.
Wassalm
on February 21st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Asselamu-alikum my muslim brother and sisiter. Ya Allah, it is unbelivable how one gvernmont listens one individual idea and arrest the editors. I am living faraway from home in domocratic country which i can practice my religen freely side by side with many other religens. I can not understand why the only two known religen in Ethiopia couldn’t do the same to live equally. InshAllah, Allah will be with us. we have to make Duwá and do something like letters and pittion where ever we are. If we do not speak, no body will speak for us.
Allah be with you
on February 21st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Asselaam Aleykum,
Brothers and sisters it is time to wake up. I urge my brothers and sisters in Islam to stand up and say enough is enough. To say no to religious descrimination in our country and else where in the world. Inorder to do so we need to put together our wealth,knowledge and time for the sake of Allaah.Let us make our strugle in a peacefull and democratic way.
Let us keep revieling the evilness of this person “Elias” to our society not to our enemies. Because if the enemy knows the evil in our self,that is their weapon to attack us.
Waselaam aleykum, allaah knows best
on February 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 am
Bro.s
I didn’t attend this paltalk thing. Does anybody know how it ended?
It is said Redman denied the ‘letters’.
So, does this mean he going to issue a letter that reverses the orders and stands seemed to be taken by the Majlis in his name?
Also is he going to take the case to court for his name is spoiled by the people he alleges to conspire on him? What about the events happening after the letter as dictated on it?
What is he doing about it now?
Does anybody ask him such questions?
I would be glad if this man is brought to the paltalk once more and asked.
Selams,
on February 29th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
[…] Ethiopia (Addis Ababa): Muslim Newsletter Publishers and Editors Arrested […]
on March 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 am
We are a group of ethiopian muslims and our message is to nejashi oj . you are exposed as a wahhabi propoganda machine on the internet. change your name. because nagashi was a tolerant negus. we don’t need wahhabism. you are campaining to make our Ethiopian women students to wear niqab which is haram in islam. at one point you even called Ato Elias Redman a non muslim. The moment you called a fellow Ethiopian a non-muslim you are clearly waving a Wahhabi flag.
Al-Qudu sweekly Newsletter, Salafiyya Newsletter wahhabi propoganda machines. all they do create problems instead of solving problem of Ethiopian muslims.
currently we are collecting signatures , petition to Ethiopian government for closure of Al-Qudus sweekly Newsletter, Salafiyya papers who are distributing propoganda and distability among muslims in addis ababa (ethiopia). Close them down!! close wahhabi papers now!
ethiopianmuslims.net and nejashi do not represent non wahhabi Ethiopian muslims. We Ethiopian muslims who do not follow the wahhabi version of Islam do not associate ourselves with Ethiopianmuslims.net (wahhabi influenced wite) and nejashi clearly wahhabi influenced site.
stop spreading wahhabism among True Muslims of Ethiopia! Wahhabis veil the face of your wives or sisters if they choose to but stop propogating it to true muslim of Ethiopia.
[Note: These were comment enteries of Nejashiexposed. I have put them together thereby help him/her recallect his message, some thing he or she was unable. Other than bringing them together, all his/her words are kept intact, Negashi OJ]
on March 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
RE-nejashiexposed
IT is funny your (nejashiexposed)
Muslims reaction regarding hijab or niqab you should back up your evidence before saying Haram or Hallal may Allah forgive you. Remember you are responsible for your action those news pepper are the voice of Muslim that in democratic Ethiopia they have the write to do so it is individual responsibility to act in law abiding manner . Brother think again ISLAM IS CONCERNED ABOUT REMOVING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS FROM PEOPLE IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT HARMONY AND PEACE IN SOCIETY. Think again before this government we do not have any to express our voice. Think again to concur your fear of Wahabi by reading what is in it ABU HURAYRAH REPORTED THAT ALLAH MESSANGER SAYED “BEWERE OF SUSPICION, FOR VERILY SUSPICION IS THE MOST MISLEADING FROM CONVERSATION.”
Finally listen to your HEART and recommends better solutions for all Ethiopia if you can’t do that just be what ever
By the way what makes a DIFFRENSE FOR you weather they were hijab ,niqab or miniskirt ?
on March 6th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Hi all,
First I have to say that I am a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, who grew up with Muslim Ethiopians. I don’t want to go to the politics of religion but would like to say a few point regarding the directive the Minstry of Education is intending to implement. Personally, I do support it, not because it’s against Muslims (which I believe is not) but simply for the sake of harmony. Imagine this…. the muslims require a place to make salat, the orthodox may require a place to hold their sunday school, the protestants will require ‘ye tselot bet’ (don’t forget that there may be a few dozen of different protestant churches), I know that there are few catholics and Bahai’s in Ethiopia, hence, they have also a right to request their own share, etc. So… where is it going to stop? Because of this it is imperative to ban religious practices in campus!! This doesn’t mean that you are oppressed! Why I am saying that? If you are keen to this extent to your religion, then you have to saccrifice your time and energy to go to the nearest mosque to practice your religion. It is as simple as that! Allah doesn’t (I think) say that you have to do it in your campus.
I have even another suggestion if there is someone who is willing to hear. The government should ban the use of ‘mega phones - amplifiers’ during church services and azan! The sound has to be confined to the churches and mosques. It shouldn’t disturb the neighbours!
on March 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
RE-Zimita you shall speak up
Peace and tranquillity for all
Dear Zimita I congratulate you for your openness unfortunately you are missing the point from Muslim perspectives. Of Corse if there was one mosque near by it wouldn’t be a problem but if there is non than some how has to be accommodated this shouldn’t bother any body. Salaat is central part of Islam and the first act of warship it has to be done in timely manner. You can’t say I will do it letter for instant if there is heavy rain why they have to go to the mosque? While they could do it wherever they are. Imagine a woman has to travel in dark for prayer? Way? Believe me noting to do laziness or politics it is all accommodation and human rights. Recognize and adapt to the changing reality of Ethiopia. Tolerance and understanding proponents of the different positions on these issues need to refrain from the mentality of “my position is the only valid position” and avoid pointing fingers or questioning the faith and sincerity of others. You see half of my relatives belong to orthodox Christian in deed I know duty of believers in both religions it will be good for you to know ethics of disagreement and considering issues with an open and objective mind.
Finally your opinion regarding mega phones - amplifiers’ during church services and azan! yes it is disturbing others but banning is not a solution it will be marvellous if they limit there amplifiers in side their worshipping places including church bell exceptional in rulers aria were peoples are lived in scattered .In city like Addis mosque and church they should install more speakers in low volume in there perimeter that may not disturb others but it takes time to make one understood.
on March 13th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Dear Abdo,
Thanks for your decent response though I don’t agree in some of the points you mentioned. To be specific, regarding the timing of Salat. You wrote that “…salat has to be done in a timely manner …. you can’t say I will do later…”. OK! let’s take this as you wrote! What do muslims when the salat time coincides with their lecture hour? Do they quit their class and go for a prayer? do they it there in class? You also mentioned that what if there is rain or any other difficulty. That is why I wrote that you have to make sacrifice, going through rain or darkness! Ethiopia is known for its safety, and I don’t think there is any problem if people in groups walk together in the dark (remember that we are talking about university students).
One other point that you didn’t answer me is the rights of other religious groups. If you allow for the muslims, then it is clear that you have to allow for others too. So, where is it going to stop???
Regarding the megaphones, I do agree with you, and that was also my point in my earlier message. When I say banning, I don’t mean the services and the azan, but the loud voice. The sound has to be confined within the compounds of churches and mosques.
on March 13th, 2008 at 10:47 am
.Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Helen Keller
Dear Zmita tanks again for your courage and your opinions .To understand this core issue you may need to study the obligation of Muslims that may give you basic understanding. If you believe in any thing it shouldn’t be following your forefathers. Liberate your self from Islam phobia. Having say that I will try to explain with limited knowledge for the benefit of all Ethiopians.
. set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times. ” Qur’an 4:103
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. It means there is limited time for each prayer. For example THE FRIST PRAYER DAWN BIFORE SUNRISE THERE IS ONLY LIMITED TIME FOR THE PRAYER,AND THE OTHER PRAYER ALSO HAVE LIMITED TIME TO DO IT APROXMETLY ONE AND HLFE HOURE EXEPT THE LAST PRAYER HAS MORETHAN THAT
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
In fact each prayer it takes only average 5-minit and also the prayers scattered timely interval in 24hours.For this reason it shouldn’t be a problem to live the lecture to obey her/his lord! By the way how long it takes to go toilet? If you have to go you do not need permission. The difference b/n Muslim and non Muslim are a Slat you can’t deny there need. what would you say if the government decided to give lectures’ on Sunday or Good Friday? would you give up your religion to get worldly benefit? I am asking you if you are practical Christian?
My friend if you look around you it is reality of the world for example Addis Abeba Bole Airport have a prayer place for there travelers and transit passenger. Why need to accommodate this? If Ethiopian government care about there costumer why not for there tax payer Muslim citizen? To live the lecture and not to live should be left for individual that is there responsibility and there right .
Additionally if you ask any university in western society how they do it .It is only one answer Accommodation learn from one another. It is not only for religions but also personal life stile like lesbians/Gay and any beliefs must be given space that brings Tolerance
I believe I have answered your question regarding other religion “(One other point that you didn’t answer me is the rights of other religious groups. If you allow for the muslims, then it is clear that you have to allow for others too. So, where is it going to stop???)” If you deny… there is always uprising for instances during Durg and Hilesilasi it was impossible For Pentecostal to exist any were! because they were different from orthodox. But there straggle endurance and patience, steadfastness they over come there problem.
I have doubt for this !” Ethiopia is known for its safety” no comment
In conclusion lets make it easy for every religions based on there religions principles and we may opens prayer centers were it is necessary in some case we may share the center for every religions I do not min to build mosque or church in university or in a factory but a small room will solve the problem so that they can pray whiteout mocking. And no one should miss THE LECTURE FOR MORE THAN 5 MINIT. This is accommodation!!!
Muslims says in each prayer
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful (1)
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, (2) The Beneficent, the Merciful. (3) Owner of the Day of Judgment, (4) Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help. (5) Show us the straight path, (6) The path of those whom Thou hast favoured. Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor
0
on March 17th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Hi ABDO,
Let’s agree not to agree. But have few points to answer or mention to your latest posting.
1. I am a practical christian, and I don’t mind lectures are given on Sunday or Saturday. For that matter we used to arrange classes on Saturdays and Sundays while I was a student at University. One more, I know a town where regular classes are held on Saturday, and the break days are on Sunday and Monday. Here their arrangement is not based on religious days but on the suitability of the days with that of the local market days.
2. I don’t agree with the notion that there was favouritism during the time of derg though I agree that the Haileselassie period was clearly favourable towards the orthodox church, which I personally don’t agree.
3. I haven’t ever been under the situation of islam phobia! As I told you earlier, I grew up with muslim friend. For your info, my best friend since my childhood is a muslim.
Those are the points where I stand for. If you are willing to discuss, I would like to raise an important issue related to ‘Ethiopian muslim community and their affinity towrds their country’. This is a very important topic, which I couldn’t get where this community stands with regards to the aformentioned point. If you are willing to engage, let me know, and I will write you my points.
Stay safe
on March 19th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Hello Zimita
Tanks again but you are missing the point I am ready to discus any thing unfortunately on your side it is blocked not to agree. If I don’t see any light at the end of our discussion what is the point of discussing? But I will leave you with a few question.
1-Can you explain to me what is the down side of Muslim praying in university? In deed were I went school I was praying and also my wife and sister are enrolled in university they don’t have any problem what so ever but they are not in Ethiopia
2-If student choose to leave the lectures for any reason what is the big deal?
3-what is human rights in your definition? You may check Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
Having Muslim friend it doesn’t cure you from Islam phobia till you accept who they are ,what they wear and what they stand for!! Ask your ‘best friend” if it is possible to give-up prayer for any reason and he should back up his finding from the holy Book. (QURAN)
It will be marvels’ to define believing and practising. It is worthless to say I belong to this religion but not practicing. Check your bible about Sundays and good Friday
For your comment Re Protestant “ I don’t agree with the notion that there was favouritism during the time of derg though I agree that the Haileselassie period was clearly favourable towards the orthodox church, which I personally don’t agree.
May be you didn’t know… Derg is the one Confiscate there property through out Ethiopia and prisons many believers.
Finally I am not writing to convince you about Ethiopian Muslim it is just only information using technology.. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you are not to live up to mine. This is all about for betterment of Ethiopia and to stop tribalism and extremism in any way. Hopefully justice will prevail.
“The highest result of education is tolerance.” , ‘Optimism,’ 1903 H,K
“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority “
RALPH W.Sockman
Nice meeting you and Have a good life
on March 30th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
It is so amazing how the muslims in ethiopia just watch when an idiot man play with them. the V.P. is jelous because islam is increasing very fast and he wants to destroy it. His speech is far from his hear. May Allah destroy how try to destroy islam. the muslim in ethiopia should stand up and do something. not listen to what he says. Why he did not do nothing for the “bahtawi priest”? he said rubbish about islam. the crazing thing is the muslims are not doing nothing.
the other point is the muslims are giving the muslims name so they could be arrested by the government. this is so crazy. i cant believe the muslims are doing this .
May Allah help the muslims and destroy those who want to destroy islam and the muslim who work with enemy of islam to destroy islam
Ameen
on April 16th, 2009 at 8:24 am
lets make dua. our sins are getting larger and larger. its better for us to return our face to ALLAH. lets unite each other. as we believe in one GOD. ALLAH. DONT LET OTHERS TO COMMENT ON US. DONT GIVE SPACE FOR OTHERS.ASELAMOALEYKOOM
on May 2nd, 2009 at 12:12 am
aselamu aleykum
the responce for mizan tepi students is so late …. they are in higher problem that the campuse abides the students to take the exam(mid) they
have missed when they were outside the campus …
some student are also getting witdrawal by them selves fairing dissmissal
.. therefor if possible at least we have to expose such kinds of discriminations
aselamu aleykum ibroo amhara rigion